Numeric thresholds that qualify a food product for each FDA-regulated nutrient content claim ('free', 'low', 'reduced', 'good source of', 'high', 'light'), broken out by nutrient (calories, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, sugar, fiber) and food format (individual food, meal, main dish, dietary supplement, small-RACC food). Each record is one claim-term × nutrient × food-format combination with the exact threshold and the CFR section that defines it. Answers 'what qualifies as low sodium?' with the full matrix, not just the headline number.

FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** antioxidant-claims-individual-food

**Claim term:** antioxidant

**Nutrient:** antioxidant nutrients with an established RDI

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** The level of each nutrient that is the subject of the claim is sufficient to qualify for the

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.54(g)(3)

**Special conditions:** The nutrients that are the subject of the claim have recognized antioxidant activity

> A nutrient content claim that characterizes the level of antioxidant nutrients present in a food may be used on the label or in the labeling of that food when: ( 1 ) An RDI has been established for each of the nutrients; ( 2 ) The nutrients that are the subject of the claim have recognized antioxidant activity; that is, when there exists scientific evidence that, following absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, the substance participates in physiological, biochemical, or cellular processes that inactivate free radicals or prevent free radical-initiated chemical reactions; ( 3 ) The level of each nutrient that is the subject of the claim is sufficient to qualify for the <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.54#p-101.54(b)> § 101.54 (b) , <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.54#p-101.54(c)> (c) , or <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.54#p-101.54(e)> (e) claim (e.g., to bear the claim ”high in antioxidant vitamin C,” the product must contain 20 percent or more of the RDI for vitamin C). Beta-carotene may be a subject of the claim when the level of vitamin A present as beta-carotene in the food that bears the claim is sufficient to qualify for the claim. For example, for the claim “good source of antioxidant beta-carotene,” 10 percent or more of the RDI for vitamin A must be present as beta-carotene per reference amount customarily consumed; and

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.54>

antioxidant-claims-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** calorie-free-individual-food

**Claim term:** calorie free

**Nutrient:** calories

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** less than 5 calories per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.60(b)(1)(i)

**Special conditions:** if the food meets this condition without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower the caloric content, it is labeled to disclose that calories are not usually present in the food

> The terms “calorie free,” “free of calories,” “no calories,” “zero calories,” “without calories,” “trivial source of calories,” “negligible source of calories,” or “dietarily insignificant source of calories” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods, provided that: ( i ) The food contains less than 5 calories per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving. ( ii ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets this condition without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower the caloric content, it is labeled to disclose that calories are not usually present in the food (e.g., “cider vinegar, a calorie free food”).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.60>

calorie-free-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** cholesterol-free-individual-food

**Claim term:** cholesterol free

**Nutrient:** cholesterol

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** less than 2 mg of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeling serving

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(d)(1)(i)(A)

**Special conditions:** The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed

> The terms “cholesterol free,” “free of cholesterol,” “zero cholesterol,” “without cholesterol,” “no cholesterol,” “trivial source of cholesterol,” “negligible source of cholesterol,” or “dietarily insignificant source of cholesterol” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods, provided that: ( i ) For foods that contain 13 g or less of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed, per labeled serving, and per 50 g if the reference amount customarily consumed is 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form), or, in the case of meal products, 26.0 g or less total fat per labeled serving, or, in the case of main dish products, 19.5 g or less total fat per labeled serving: ( A ) The food contains less than 2 mg of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeling serving or, in the case of a meal product or main dish product, less than 2 mg of cholesterol per labeled serving; and ( B ) The food contains no ingredient that is generally understood by consumers to contain cholesterol, unless the listing of the ingredient in the ingredient statement is followed by an asterisk that refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, which states “adds a trivial amount of cholesterol,” “adds a negligible amount of cholesterol,” or “adds a dietarily insignificant amount of cholesterol;” and ( C ) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed or, in the case of a meal product or main dish product, 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per labeled serving; and ( D ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food contains less than 2 mg of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed or in the case of a meal product or main dish product, less than 2 mg of cholesterol per labeled serving without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower cholesterol content, it is labeled to disclose that cholesterol is not usually present in the food (e.g., “applesauce, a cholesterol-free food”).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

cholesterol-free-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** cholesterol-free-main-dish

**Claim term:** cholesterol free

**Nutrient:** cholesterol

**Food format:** main dish

**Threshold:** less than 2 mg of cholesterol per labeled serving

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(d)(1)(i)(A)

> The terms “cholesterol free,” “free of cholesterol,” “zero cholesterol,” “without cholesterol,” “no cholesterol,” “trivial source of cholesterol,” “negligible source of cholesterol,” or “dietarily insignificant source of cholesterol” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods, provided that: ( i ) For foods that contain 13 g or less of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed, per labeled serving, and per 50 g if the reference amount customarily consumed is 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form), or, in the case of meal products, 26.0 g or less total fat per labeled serving, or, in the case of main dish products, 19.5 g or less total fat per labeled serving: ( A ) The food contains less than 2 mg of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeling serving or, in the case of a meal product or main dish product, less than 2 mg of cholesterol per labeled serving; and ( B ) The food contains no ingredient that is generally understood by consumers to contain cholesterol, unless the listing of the ingredient in the ingredient statement is followed by an asterisk that refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, which states “adds a trivial amount of cholesterol,” “adds a negligible amount of cholesterol,” or “adds a dietarily insignificant amount of cholesterol;” and ( C ) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed or, in the case of a meal product or main dish product, 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per labeled serving; and ( D ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food contains less than 2 mg of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed or in the case of a meal product or main dish product, less than 2 mg of cholesterol per labeled serving without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower cholesterol content, it is labeled to disclose that cholesterol is not usually present in the food (e.g., “applesauce, a cholesterol-free food”).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

cholesterol-free-main-dish — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** cholesterol-free-meal

**Claim term:** cholesterol free

**Nutrient:** cholesterol

**Food format:** meal

**Threshold:** less than 2 mg of cholesterol per labeled serving

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(d)(1)(i)(A)

> The terms “cholesterol free,” “free of cholesterol,” “zero cholesterol,” “without cholesterol,” “no cholesterol,” “trivial source of cholesterol,” “negligible source of cholesterol,” or “dietarily insignificant source of cholesterol” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods, provided that: ( i ) For foods that contain 13 g or less of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed, per labeled serving, and per 50 g if the reference amount customarily consumed is 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form), or, in the case of meal products, 26.0 g or less total fat per labeled serving, or, in the case of main dish products, 19.5 g or less total fat per labeled serving: ( A ) The food contains less than 2 mg of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeling serving or, in the case of a meal product or main dish product, less than 2 mg of cholesterol per labeled serving; and ( B ) The food contains no ingredient that is generally understood by consumers to contain cholesterol, unless the listing of the ingredient in the ingredient statement is followed by an asterisk that refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, which states “adds a trivial amount of cholesterol,” “adds a negligible amount of cholesterol,” or “adds a dietarily insignificant amount of cholesterol;” and ( C ) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed or, in the case of a meal product or main dish product, 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per labeled serving; and ( D ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food contains less than 2 mg of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed or in the case of a meal product or main dish product, less than 2 mg of cholesterol per labeled serving without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower cholesterol content, it is labeled to disclose that cholesterol is not usually present in the food (e.g., “applesauce, a cholesterol-free food”).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

cholesterol-free-meal — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** extra-lean-individual-food

**Claim term:** extra lean

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** less than 5 g total fat, less than 2 g saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 100 g

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(e)(4)

**Special conditions:** provided that the food is a discrete seafood or game meat product

> The term “extra lean” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) provided that the food is a discrete seafood or game meat product and as packaged contains less than 5 g total fat, less than 2 g saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 100 g; and

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

extra-lean-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** extra-lean-main-dish

**Claim term:** extra lean

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** main dish

**Threshold:** less than 5 g of fat, less than 2 g of saturated fat, and less than 95 mg of cholesterol per 100 g and per labeled serving

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(e)(5)

> The term “extra lean” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) provided that the food is a discrete seafood or game meat product and as packaged contains less than 5 g total fat, less than 2 g saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 100 g; and ( 5 ) The term defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(e)(4)> paragraph (e)(4) of this section may be used on the label or in labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) provided that the food contains less than 5 g of fat, less than 2 g of saturated fat, and less than 95 mg of cholesterol per 100 g and per labeled serving.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

extra-lean-main-dish — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** extra-lean-meal

**Claim term:** extra lean

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** meal

**Threshold:** less than 5 g of fat, less than 2 g of saturated fat, and less than 95 mg of cholesterol per 100 g and per labeled serving

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(e)(5)

> The term “extra lean” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) provided that the food is a discrete seafood or game meat product and as packaged contains less than 5 g total fat, less than 2 g saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 100 g; and ( 5 ) The term defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(e)(4)> paragraph (e)(4) of this section may be used on the label or in labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) provided that the food contains less than 5 g of fat, less than 2 g of saturated fat, and less than 95 mg of cholesterol per 100 g and per labeled serving.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

extra-lean-meal — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** fat-free-individual-food

**Claim term:** fat free

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** less than 0.5 gram (g) of fat per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(b)(1)(i)

**Special conditions:** The food contains no added ingredient that is a fat or is generally understood by consumers to contain fat

> The terms “fat free,” “free of fat,” “no fat,” “zero fat,” “without fat,” “negligible source of fat,” or “dietarily insignificant source of fat” or, in the case of milk products, “skim” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods, provided that: ( i ) The food contains less than 0.5 gram (g) of fat per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving or, in the case of a meal product or main dish product, less than 0.5 g of fat per labeled serving; and ( ii ) The food contains no added ingredient that is a fat or is generally understood by consumers to contain fat unless the listing of the ingredient in the ingredient statement is followed by an asterisk that refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, which states “adds a trivial amount of fat,” “adds a negligible amount of fat,” or “adds a dietarily insignificant amount of fat;” and ( iii ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower fat content, it is labeled to disclose that fat is not usually present in the food (e.g., “broccoli, a fat free food”).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

fat-free-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** fat-free-main-dish

**Claim term:** fat free

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** main dish

**Threshold:** less than 0.5 g of fat per labeled serving

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(b)(1)(i)

> The terms “fat free,” “free of fat,” “no fat,” “zero fat,” “without fat,” “negligible source of fat,” or “dietarily insignificant source of fat” or, in the case of milk products, “skim” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods, provided that: ( i ) The food contains less than 0.5 gram (g) of fat per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving or, in the case of a meal product or main dish product, less than 0.5 g of fat per labeled serving; and ( ii ) The food contains no added ingredient that is a fat or is generally understood by consumers to contain fat unless the listing of the ingredient in the ingredient statement is followed by an asterisk that refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, which states “adds a trivial amount of fat,” “adds a negligible amount of fat,” or “adds a dietarily insignificant amount of fat;” and ( iii ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower fat content, it is labeled to disclose that fat is not usually present in the food (e.g., “broccoli, a fat free food”).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

fat-free-main-dish — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** fat-free-meal

**Claim term:** fat free

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** meal

**Threshold:** less than 0.5 g of fat per labeled serving

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(b)(1)(i)

> The terms “fat free,” “free of fat,” “no fat,” “zero fat,” “without fat,” “negligible source of fat,” or “dietarily insignificant source of fat” or, in the case of milk products, “skim” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods, provided that: ( i ) The food contains less than 0.5 gram (g) of fat per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving or, in the case of a meal product or main dish product, less than 0.5 g of fat per labeled serving; and ( ii ) The food contains no added ingredient that is a fat or is generally understood by consumers to contain fat unless the listing of the ingredient in the ingredient statement is followed by an asterisk that refers to the statement below the list of ingredients, which states “adds a trivial amount of fat,” “adds a negligible amount of fat,” or “adds a dietarily insignificant amount of fat;” and ( iii ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower fat content, it is labeled to disclose that fat is not usually present in the food (e.g., “broccoli, a fat free food”).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

fat-free-meal — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** fiber-claims-fat-disclosure-individual-food

**Claim term:** high in fiber, a good source of fiber, or that the food contains “more” fiber

**Nutrient:** dietary fiber

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** the label shall disclose the level of total fat per labeled serving

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.54(d)(1)

**Special conditions:** the food is not “low” in total fat as defined in

> If a nutrient content claim is made with respect to the level of dietary fiber, that is, that the product is high in fiber, a good source of fiber, or that the food contains “more” fiber, and the food is not “low” in total fat as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(b)(2)> § 101.62(b)(2) or, in the case of a meal product, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) , or main dish product, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , is not “low” in total fat as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(b)(3)> § 101.62(b)(3) , then the label shall disclose the level of total fat per labeled serving.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.54>

fiber-claims-fat-disclosure-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** good-source-vitamins-minerals-protein-fiber-individual-food

**Claim term:** good source

**Nutrient:** any nutrient with an RDI or DRV

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** 10 to 19 percent of the RDI or the DRV per reference amount customarily consumed

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.54(c)(1)

> The terms “good source,” “contains,” or “provides” may be used on the label and in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that the food contains 10 to 19 percent of the RDI or the DRV per reference amount customarily consumed.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.54>

good-source-vitamins-minerals-protein-fiber-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** good-source-vitamins-minerals-protein-fiber-main-dish

**Claim term:** good source

**Nutrient:** any nutrient with an RDI or DRV

**Food format:** main dish

**Threshold:** The product contains a food that meets the definition of “good source” in

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.54(c)(2)(i)

**Special conditions:** The label or labeling clearly identifies the food that is the subject of the claim

> The terms “good source,” “contains,” or “provides” may be used on the label and in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that the food contains 10 to 19 percent of the RDI or the DRV per reference amount customarily consumed. ( 2 ) The terms defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.54#p-101.54(c)(1)> paragraph (c)(1) of this section may be used on the label and in the labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in 101.13(m), provided that: ( i ) The product contains a food that meets the definition of “good source” in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.54#p-101.54(c)(1)> paragraph (c)(1) of this section; and ( ii ) The label or labeling clearly identifies the food that is the subject of the claim (e.g., the serving of sweet potatoes in this product is a “good source” of fiber).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.54>

good-source-vitamins-minerals-protein-fiber-main-dish — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** good-source-vitamins-minerals-protein-fiber-meal

**Claim term:** good source

**Nutrient:** any nutrient with an RDI or DRV

**Food format:** meal

**Threshold:** The product contains a food that meets the definition of “good source” in

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.54(c)(2)(i)

**Special conditions:** The label or labeling clearly identifies the food that is the subject of the claim

> The terms “good source,” “contains,” or “provides” may be used on the label and in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that the food contains 10 to 19 percent of the RDI or the DRV per reference amount customarily consumed. ( 2 ) The terms defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.54#p-101.54(c)(1)> paragraph (c)(1) of this section may be used on the label and in the labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in 101.13(m), provided that: ( i ) The product contains a food that meets the definition of “good source” in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.54#p-101.54(c)(1)> paragraph (c)(1) of this section; and ( ii ) The label or labeling clearly identifies the food that is the subject of the claim (e.g., the serving of sweet potatoes in this product is a “good source” of fiber).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.54>

good-source-vitamins-minerals-protein-fiber-meal — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** high-potency-individual-vitamin-mineral-individual-food

**Claim term:** high potency

**Nutrient:** individual vitamins or minerals

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** present at 100 percent or more of the RDI per reference amount customarily consumed

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.54(f)(1)(i)

> The term “high potency” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods to describe individual vitamins or minerals that are present at 100 percent or more of the RDI per reference amount customarily consumed.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.54>

high-potency-individual-vitamin-mineral-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** high-potency-multiingredient-product

**Claim term:** high potency

**Nutrient:** vitamins and minerals

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** 100 percent or more of the RDI for at least two-thirds of the vitamins and minerals

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.54(f)(2)

**Special conditions:** that are present in the product at 2 percent or more of the RDI

> The term “high potency” may be used on the label or in the labeling of a multiingredient food product to describe the product if the product contains 100 percent or more of the RDI for at least two-thirds of the vitamins and minerals that are listed in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(c)(8)(iv)> § 101.9(c)(8)(iv) and that are present in the product at 2 percent or more of the RDI

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.54>

high-potency-multiingredient-product — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** high-vitamins-minerals-protein-fiber-individual-food

**Claim term:** high

**Nutrient:** any nutrient with an RDI or DRV

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** 20 percent or more of the RDI or the DRV per reference amount customarily consumed

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.54(b)(1)

> The terms “high,” “rich in,” or “excellent source of” may be used on the label and in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that the food contains 20 percent or more of the RDI or the DRV per reference amount customarily consumed.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.54>

high-vitamins-minerals-protein-fiber-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** high-vitamins-minerals-protein-fiber-main-dish

**Claim term:** high

**Nutrient:** any nutrient with an RDI or DRV

**Food format:** main dish

**Threshold:** The product contains a food that meets the definition of “high” in

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.54(b)(2)(i)

**Special conditions:** The label or labeling clearly identifies the food that is the subject of the claim

> The terms “high,” “rich in,” or “excellent source of” may be used on the label and in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that the food contains 20 percent or more of the RDI or the DRV per reference amount customarily consumed. ( 2 ) The terms defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.54#p-101.54(b)(1)> paragraph (b)(1) of this section may be used on the label and in the labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) The product contains a food that meets the definition of “high” in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.54#p-101.54(b)(1)> paragraph (b)(1) of this section; and ( ii ) The label or labeling clearly identifies the food that is the subject of the claim (e.g., the serving of broccoli in this product is high in vitamin C).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.54>

high-vitamins-minerals-protein-fiber-main-dish — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** high-vitamins-minerals-protein-fiber-meal

**Claim term:** high

**Nutrient:** any nutrient with an RDI or DRV

**Food format:** meal

**Threshold:** The product contains a food that meets the definition of “high” in

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.54(b)(2)(i)

**Special conditions:** The label or labeling clearly identifies the food that is the subject of the claim

> The terms “high,” “rich in,” or “excellent source of” may be used on the label and in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that the food contains 20 percent or more of the RDI or the DRV per reference amount customarily consumed. ( 2 ) The terms defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.54#p-101.54(b)(1)> paragraph (b)(1) of this section may be used on the label and in the labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) The product contains a food that meets the definition of “high” in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.54#p-101.54(b)(1)> paragraph (b)(1) of this section; and ( ii ) The label or labeling clearly identifies the food that is the subject of the claim (e.g., the serving of broccoli in this product is high in vitamin C).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.54>

high-vitamins-minerals-protein-fiber-meal — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** lean-individual-food

**Claim term:** lean

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** less than 10 g total fat, 4.5 g or less saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 100 g

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(e)(1)

**Special conditions:** provided that the food is a seafood or game meat product

> The term “lean” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) provided that the food is a seafood or game meat product and as packaged contains less than 10 g total fat, 4.5 g or less saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 100 g;

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

lean-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** lean-main-dish

**Claim term:** lean

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** main dish

**Threshold:** less than 10 g total fat, 4.5 g or less saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per 100 g and per labeled serving

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(e)(3)

> The term “lean” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) provided that the food is a seafood or game meat product and as packaged contains less than 10 g total fat, 4.5 g or less saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 100 g; ( 2 ) The term defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(e)(1)> paragraph (e)(1) of this section may be used on the label or in labeling of a mixed dish not measurable with a cup as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.12#p-101.12(b)> § 101.12(b) in table 2, provided that the food contains less than 8 g total fat, 3.5 g or less saturated fat and less than 80 mg cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed; ( 3 ) The term defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(e)(1)> paragraph (e)(1) of this section may be used on the label or in the labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) or main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) provided that the food contains less than 10 g total fat, 4.5 g or less saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per 100 g and per labeled serving;

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

lean-main-dish — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** lean-meal

**Claim term:** lean

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** meal

**Threshold:** less than 10 g total fat, 4.5 g or less saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per 100 g and per labeled serving

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(e)(3)

> The term “lean” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) provided that the food is a seafood or game meat product and as packaged contains less than 10 g total fat, 4.5 g or less saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 100 g; ( 2 ) The term defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(e)(1)> paragraph (e)(1) of this section may be used on the label or in labeling of a mixed dish not measurable with a cup as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.12#p-101.12(b)> § 101.12(b) in table 2, provided that the food contains less than 8 g total fat, 3.5 g or less saturated fat and less than 80 mg cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed; ( 3 ) The term defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(e)(1)> paragraph (e)(1) of this section may be used on the label or in the labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) or main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) provided that the food contains less than 10 g total fat, 4.5 g or less saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per 100 g and per labeled serving;

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

lean-meal — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** lean-mixed-dish

**Claim term:** lean

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** mixed dish not measurable with a cup

**Threshold:** less than 8 g total fat, 3.5 g or less saturated fat and less than 80 mg cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(e)(2)

> The term “lean” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) provided that the food is a seafood or game meat product and as packaged contains less than 10 g total fat, 4.5 g or less saturated fat, and less than 95 mg cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 100 g; ( 2 ) The term defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(e)(1)> paragraph (e)(1) of this section may be used on the label or in labeling of a mixed dish not measurable with a cup as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.12#p-101.12(b)> § 101.12(b) in table 2, provided that the food contains less than 8 g total fat, 3.5 g or less saturated fat and less than 80 mg cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed;

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

lean-mixed-dish — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** light-calories-individual-food

**Claim term:** light

**Nutrient:** calories

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** The number of calories is reduced by at least one-third (33 1 ⁄ 3 percent) per reference amount customarily consumed compared to an appropriate reference food

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.56(b)(2)(i)

**Special conditions:** If the food derives less than 50 percent of its calories from fat

> “Light” claims. The terms “light” or “lite” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , without further qualification, provided that: ( 1 ) If the food derives 50 percent or more of its calories from fat, its fat content is reduced by 50 percent or more per reference amount customarily consumed compared to an appropriate reference food as specified in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(j)(1)> § 101.13(j)(1) ; or ( 2 ) If the food derives less than 50 percent of its calories from fat: ( i ) The number of calories is reduced by at least one-third (33 1 ⁄ 3 percent) per reference amount customarily consumed compared to an appropriate reference food; or ( ii )

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D>

light-calories-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** light-fat-individual-food

**Claim term:** light

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** its fat content is reduced by 50 percent or more per reference amount customarily consumed compared to an appropriate reference food

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.56(b)(1)

**Special conditions:** If the food derives 50 percent or more of its calories from fat

> “Light” claims. The terms “light” or “lite” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , without further qualification, provided that: ( 1 ) If the food derives 50 percent or more of its calories from fat, its fat content is reduced by 50 percent or more per reference amount customarily consumed compared to an appropriate reference food as specified in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(j)(1)> § 101.13(j)(1) ; or ( 2 ) If the food derives less than 50 percent of its calories from fat: ( i ) The number of calories is reduced by at least one-third (33 1 ⁄ 3 percent) per reference amount customarily consumed compared to an appropriate reference food; or

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D>

light-fat-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** light-in-sodium-individual-food

**Claim term:** light in sodium

**Nutrient:** sodium

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** reduced by 50 percent or more in sodium content compared to the reference food

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.56(c)(2)(i)

**Special conditions:** the reference food contains more than 40 calories or more than 3 g fat per reference amount customarily consumed

> A product for which the reference food contains more than 40 calories or more than 3 g fat per reference amount customarily consumed may use the term “light in sodium” or “lite in sodium” if it is reduced by 50 percent or more in sodium content compared to the reference food, provided that “light” or “lite” is presented in immediate proximity with “in sodium” and the entire term is presented in uniform type size, style, color, and prominence; and

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D>

light-in-sodium-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** light-in-sodium-main-dish

**Claim term:** light in sodium

**Nutrient:** sodium

**Food format:** main dish

**Threshold:** provided that the food meets the definition of “low in sodium” as defined in

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.56(d)(2)(i)

> The term “light in sodium” or “lite in sodium” may be used on the label or in the labeling of a meal product as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and a main dish product as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that the food meets the definition of “low in sodium” as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.61#p-101.61(b)(5)(i)> § 101.61(b)(5)(i) ; and ( ii ) “Light” or “lite” and “in sodium” are presented in uniform type size, style, color, and prominence.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D>

light-in-sodium-main-dish — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** light-in-sodium-meal

**Claim term:** light in sodium

**Nutrient:** sodium

**Food format:** meal

**Threshold:** provided that the food meets the definition of “low in sodium” as defined in

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.56(d)(2)(i)

> The term “light in sodium” or “lite in sodium” may be used on the label or in the labeling of a meal product as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and a main dish product as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that the food meets the definition of “low in sodium” as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.61#p-101.61(b)(5)(i)> § 101.61(b)(5)(i) ; and ( ii ) “Light” or “lite” and “in sodium” are presented in uniform type size, style, color, and prominence.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D>

light-in-sodium-meal — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** light-main-dish

**Claim term:** light

**Nutrient:** calories

**Food format:** main dish

**Threshold:** The food meets the definition of: ( A ) “Low in calories” as defined in

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.56(d)(1)(i)

**Special conditions:** A statement appears on the principal display panel that explains whether “light” is used to mean “low fat,” “low calories,” or both

> The terms “light” or “lite” may be used on the label or in the labeling of a meal product as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and a main dish product as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) The food meets the definition of: ( A ) “Low in calories” as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.60#p-101.60(b)(3)> § 101.60(b)(3) ; or ( B ) “Low in fat” as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(b)(3)> § 101.62(b)(3) ; and ( ii ) ( A ) A statement appears on the principal display panel that explains whether “light” is used to mean “low fat,” “low calories,” or both (e.g., “Light Delight, a low fat meal”); and

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D>

light-main-dish — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** light-meal

**Claim term:** light

**Nutrient:** calories

**Food format:** meal

**Threshold:** The food meets the definition of: ( A ) “Low in calories” as defined in

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.56(d)(1)(i)

**Special conditions:** A statement appears on the principal display panel that explains whether “light” is used to mean “low fat,” “low calories,” or both

> The terms “light” or “lite” may be used on the label or in the labeling of a meal product as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and a main dish product as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) The food meets the definition of: ( A ) “Low in calories” as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.60#p-101.60(b)(3)> § 101.60(b)(3) ; or ( B ) “Low in fat” as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(b)(3)> § 101.62(b)(3) ; and ( ii ) ( A ) A statement appears on the principal display panel that explains whether “light” is used to mean “low fat,” “low calories,” or both (e.g., “Light Delight, a low fat meal”); and

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D>

light-meal — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** light-sodium-individual-food

**Claim term:** light

**Nutrient:** sodium

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** reduced by 50 percent or more in sodium content compared to the reference food

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.56(c)(1)(i)

**Special conditions:** the reference food contains 40 calories or less and 3 g fat or less per reference amount customarily consumed

> A product for which the reference food contains 40 calories or less and 3 g fat or less per reference amount customarily consumed may use the term “light” or “lite” without further qualification if it is reduced by 50 percent or more in sodium content compared to the reference food; and

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D>

light-sodium-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** lightly-salted-individual-food

**Claim term:** lightly salted

**Nutrient:** sodium

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** 50 percent less sodium than is normally added to the reference food

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.56(g)

**Special conditions:** if the product is not “low in sodium” as defined in

> The term “lightly salted” may be used on a product to which has been added 50 percent less sodium than is normally added to the reference food as described in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(j)(1)(i)(B)> § 101.13(j)(1)(i)(B) and <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(j)(1)(ii)(B)> (j)(1)(ii)(B) , provided that if the product is not “low in sodium” as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.61#p-101.61(b)(4)> § 101.61(b)(4) , the statement “not a low sodium food,” shall appear adjacent to the nutrition label of the food bearing the claim, or, if the nutrition label is on the information panel, it may appear elsewhere on the information panel in accordance with <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.2> § 101.2 and the information required to accompany a relative claim shall appear on the label or labeling as specified in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(j)(2)> § 101.13(j)(2) .

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D>

lightly-salted-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** low-calorie-individual-food

**Claim term:** low calorie

**Nutrient:** calories

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** The food has a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 grams (g) or greater than 2 tablespoons and does not provide more than 40 calories per reference amount customarily consumed

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.60(b)(2)(i)(A)

> The terms “low calorie,” “few calories,” “contains a small amount of calories,” “low source of calories,” or “low in calories” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) ( A ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 grams (g) or greater than 2 tablespoons and does not provide more than 40 calories per reference amount customarily consumed; or

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.60>

low-calorie-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** low-calorie-main-dish

**Claim term:** low calorie

**Nutrient:** calories

**Food format:** main dish

**Threshold:** 120 calories or less per 100 g

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.60(b)(3)(i)

> The terms “low calorie,” “few calories,” “contains a small amount of calories,” “low source of calories,” or “low in calories” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) ( A ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 grams (g) or greater than 2 tablespoons and does not provide more than 40 calories per reference amount customarily consumed; or ( B ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and does not provide more than 40 calories per reference amount customarily consumed and, except for sugar substitutes, per 50 g (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50 g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form). ( ii ) If a food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to vary the caloric content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches (e.g., “celery, a low calorie food”). ( 3 ) The terms defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.60#p-101.60(b)(2)> paragraph (b)(2) of this section may be used on the label or in labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) or main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) The product contains 120 calories or less per 100 g; and

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.60>

low-calorie-main-dish — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** low-calorie-meal

**Claim term:** low calorie

**Nutrient:** calories

**Food format:** meal

**Threshold:** 120 calories or less per 100 g

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.60(b)(3)(i)

> The terms “low calorie,” “few calories,” “contains a small amount of calories,” “low source of calories,” or “low in calories” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) ( A ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 grams (g) or greater than 2 tablespoons and does not provide more than 40 calories per reference amount customarily consumed; or ( B ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and does not provide more than 40 calories per reference amount customarily consumed and, except for sugar substitutes, per 50 g (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50 g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form). ( ii ) If a food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to vary the caloric content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches (e.g., “celery, a low calorie food”). ( 3 ) The terms defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.60#p-101.60(b)(2)> paragraph (b)(2) of this section may be used on the label or in labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) or main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) The product contains 120 calories or less per 100 g; and

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.60>

low-calorie-meal — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** low-calorie-small-racc-food

**Claim term:** low calorie

**Nutrient:** calories

**Food format:** small-RACC food (≤30g or ≤2 tbsp)

**Threshold:** The food has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and does not provide more than 40 calories per reference amount customarily consumed and, except for sugar substitutes, per 50 g

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.60(b)(2)(i)(B)

> The terms “low calorie,” “few calories,” “contains a small amount of calories,” “low source of calories,” or “low in calories” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) ( A ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 grams (g) or greater than 2 tablespoons and does not provide more than 40 calories per reference amount customarily consumed; or ( B ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and does not provide more than 40 calories per reference amount customarily consumed and, except for sugar substitutes, per 50 g (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50 g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.60>

low-calorie-small-racc-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** low-cholesterol-individual-food

**Claim term:** low cholesterol

**Nutrient:** cholesterol

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** The food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(d)(2)(i)(A)

**Special conditions:** The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed

> The terms “low in cholesterol,” “low cholesterol,” “contains a small amount of cholesterol,” “low source of cholesterol,” or “little cholesterol” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) For foods that have a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons and contain 13 g or less of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving: ( A ) The food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed; ( B ) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed; and ( C ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of that type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches (e.g., “low fat cottage cheese, a low cholesterol food.”).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

low-cholesterol-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** low-cholesterol-main-dish

**Claim term:** low cholesterol

**Nutrient:** cholesterol

**Food format:** main dish

**Threshold:** shall be limited to 20 mg of cholesterol per 100 g

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(d)(3)

**Special conditions:** 2 g or less of saturated fat per 100 g rather than per reference amount customarily consumed

> The terms “low in cholesterol,” “low cholesterol,” “contains a small amount of cholesterol,” “low source of cholesterol,” or “little cholesterol” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) For foods that have a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons and contain 13 g or less of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving: ( A ) The food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed; ( B ) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed; and ( C ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of that type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches (e.g., “low fat cottage cheese, a low cholesterol food.”). ( ii ) For foods that have a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and contain 13 g or less of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed, per labeled serving, and per 50 g (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form); ( A ) The food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form); ( B ) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed; and ( C ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of that type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches (e.g., “low fat cottage cheese, a low cholesterol food”). ( iii ) For foods that have a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons and contain more than 13 g of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed or per labeled serving, ( A ) The food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed; ( B ) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed; ( C ) The label or labeling discloses the level of total fat in a serving (as declared on the label) of the food. Such disclosure shall appear in immediate proximity to such claim preceding any disclosure statement required under <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(h)> § 101.13(h) in type that shall be no less than one-half the size of the type used for such claim. If the claim appears on more than one panel, the disclosure shall be made on each panel except for the panel that bears nutrition labeling. If the claim is made more than once on a panel, the disclosure shall be made in immediate proximity to the claim that is printed in the largest type; and ( D ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of that type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches; or ( E ) If the food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol only as a result of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation, the amount of cholesterol is substantially less (i.e., meets requirements of <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(4)(ii)(A)> paragraph (d)(4)(ii)(A) of this section) than the food for which it substitutes as specified in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(d)> § 101.13(d) that has a significant (e.g., 5 percent or more of a national or regional market) market share. As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(j)(2)> § 101.13(j)(2) for relative claims: ( 1 ) The identity of the reference food and the percent (or fraction) that the cholesterol has been reduced are declared in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., “low-cholesterol peanut butter sandwich crackers, contains 83 percent less cholesterol than our regular peanut butter sandwich crackers”); and ( 2 ) Quantitative information comparing the level of cholesterol in the product per labeled serving with that of the reference food that it replaces (e.g., “Cholesterol lowered from 30 mg to 5 mg per serving; contains 13 g of fat per serving.”) is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the nutrition label, except that if the nutrition label is on the information panel, the quantitative information may be located elsewhere on the information panel in accordance with <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.2> § 101.2 . ( iv ) For foods that have a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and contain more than 13 g of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed, per labeled serving, or per 50 g (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form), ( A ) The food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form), ( B ) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed; ( C ) The label or labeling discloses the level of total fat in a serving (as declared on the label) of the food. Such disclosure shall appear in immediate proximity to such claim preceding any disclosure statement required under <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(h)> § 101.13(h) in type that shall be no less than one-half the size of the type used for such claim. If the claim appears on more than one panel, the disclosure shall be made on each panel except for the panel that bears nutrition labeling. If the claim is made more than once on a panel, the disclosure shall be made in immediate proximity to the claim that is printed in the largest type; and ( D ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of that type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches; or ( E ) If the food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol only as a result of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation, the amount of cholesterol is substantially less (i.e., meets requirements of <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(4)(ii)(A)> paragraph (d)(4)(ii)(A) of this section) than the food for which it substitutes as specified in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(d)> § 101.13(d) that has a significant (i.e., 5 percent or more of a national or regional market) market share. As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(j)(2)> § 101.13(j)(2) for relative claims: ( 1 ) The identity of the reference food and the percent (or fraction) that the cholesterol has been reduced are declared in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., “low-cholesterol peanut butter sandwich crackers, contains 83 percent less cholesterol than our regular peanut butter sandwich crackers”); and ( 2 ) Quantitative information comparing the level of cholesterol in the product per labeled serving with that of the reference food that it replaces (e.g., “Cholesterol lowered from 30 mg to 5 mg per serving; contains 13 g of fat per serving.”) is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the nutrition label, except that if the nutrition label is on the information panel, the quantitative information may be located elsewhere on the information panel in accordance with <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.2> § 101.2 . ( 3 ) The terms defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)> paragraph (d)(2) of this section may be used on the label and in labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) or a main dish product as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) provided that the product meets the requirements of <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)> paragraph (d)(2) of this section except that the determination as to whether <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)(i)> paragraph (d)(2)(i) or <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)(iii)> (d)(2)(iii) of this section applies to the product will be made only on the basis of whether the meal product contains 26 g or less of total fat per labeled serving or the main dish product contain 19.5 g or less of total fat per labeled serving, the requirement in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)(i)(A)> paragraphs (d)(2)(i)(A) and <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)(iii)(A)> (d)(2)(iii)(A) of this section shall be limited to 20 mg of cholesterol per 100 g, and the requirement in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)(i)(B)> paragraphs (d)(2)(i)(B) and <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)(iii)(B)> (d)(2)(iii)(B) of this section shall be modified to require that the food contain 2 g or less of saturated fat per 100 g rather than per reference amount customarily consumed.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

low-cholesterol-main-dish — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** low-cholesterol-meal

**Claim term:** low cholesterol

**Nutrient:** cholesterol

**Food format:** meal

**Threshold:** shall be limited to 20 mg of cholesterol per 100 g

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(d)(3)

**Special conditions:** 2 g or less of saturated fat per 100 g rather than per reference amount customarily consumed

> The terms “low in cholesterol,” “low cholesterol,” “contains a small amount of cholesterol,” “low source of cholesterol,” or “little cholesterol” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) For foods that have a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons and contain 13 g or less of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving: ( A ) The food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed; ( B ) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed; and ( C ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of that type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches (e.g., “low fat cottage cheese, a low cholesterol food.”). ( ii ) For foods that have a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and contain 13 g or less of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed, per labeled serving, and per 50 g (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form); ( A ) The food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form); ( B ) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed; and ( C ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of that type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches (e.g., “low fat cottage cheese, a low cholesterol food”). ( iii ) For foods that have a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons and contain more than 13 g of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed or per labeled serving, ( A ) The food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed; ( B ) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed; ( C ) The label or labeling discloses the level of total fat in a serving (as declared on the label) of the food. Such disclosure shall appear in immediate proximity to such claim preceding any disclosure statement required under <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(h)> § 101.13(h) in type that shall be no less than one-half the size of the type used for such claim. If the claim appears on more than one panel, the disclosure shall be made on each panel except for the panel that bears nutrition labeling. If the claim is made more than once on a panel, the disclosure shall be made in immediate proximity to the claim that is printed in the largest type; and ( D ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of that type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches; or ( E ) If the food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol only as a result of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation, the amount of cholesterol is substantially less (i.e., meets requirements of <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(4)(ii)(A)> paragraph (d)(4)(ii)(A) of this section) than the food for which it substitutes as specified in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(d)> § 101.13(d) that has a significant (e.g., 5 percent or more of a national or regional market) market share. As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(j)(2)> § 101.13(j)(2) for relative claims: ( 1 ) The identity of the reference food and the percent (or fraction) that the cholesterol has been reduced are declared in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., “low-cholesterol peanut butter sandwich crackers, contains 83 percent less cholesterol than our regular peanut butter sandwich crackers”); and ( 2 ) Quantitative information comparing the level of cholesterol in the product per labeled serving with that of the reference food that it replaces (e.g., “Cholesterol lowered from 30 mg to 5 mg per serving; contains 13 g of fat per serving.”) is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the nutrition label, except that if the nutrition label is on the information panel, the quantitative information may be located elsewhere on the information panel in accordance with <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.2> § 101.2 . ( iv ) For foods that have a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and contain more than 13 g of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed, per labeled serving, or per 50 g (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form), ( A ) The food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form), ( B ) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed; ( C ) The label or labeling discloses the level of total fat in a serving (as declared on the label) of the food. Such disclosure shall appear in immediate proximity to such claim preceding any disclosure statement required under <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(h)> § 101.13(h) in type that shall be no less than one-half the size of the type used for such claim. If the claim appears on more than one panel, the disclosure shall be made on each panel except for the panel that bears nutrition labeling. If the claim is made more than once on a panel, the disclosure shall be made in immediate proximity to the claim that is printed in the largest type; and ( D ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of that type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches; or ( E ) If the food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol only as a result of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation, the amount of cholesterol is substantially less (i.e., meets requirements of <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(4)(ii)(A)> paragraph (d)(4)(ii)(A) of this section) than the food for which it substitutes as specified in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(d)> § 101.13(d) that has a significant (i.e., 5 percent or more of a national or regional market) market share. As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(j)(2)> § 101.13(j)(2) for relative claims: ( 1 ) The identity of the reference food and the percent (or fraction) that the cholesterol has been reduced are declared in immediate proximity to the most prominent such claim (e.g., “low-cholesterol peanut butter sandwich crackers, contains 83 percent less cholesterol than our regular peanut butter sandwich crackers”); and ( 2 ) Quantitative information comparing the level of cholesterol in the product per labeled serving with that of the reference food that it replaces (e.g., “Cholesterol lowered from 30 mg to 5 mg per serving; contains 13 g of fat per serving.”) is declared adjacent to the most prominent claim or to the nutrition label, except that if the nutrition label is on the information panel, the quantitative information may be located elsewhere on the information panel in accordance with <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.2> § 101.2 . ( 3 ) The terms defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)> paragraph (d)(2) of this section may be used on the label and in labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) or a main dish product as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) provided that the product meets the requirements of <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)> paragraph (d)(2) of this section except that the determination as to whether <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)(i)> paragraph (d)(2)(i) or <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)(iii)> (d)(2)(iii) of this section applies to the product will be made only on the basis of whether the meal product contains 26 g or less of total fat per labeled serving or the main dish product contain 19.5 g or less of total fat per labeled serving, the requirement in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)(i)(A)> paragraphs (d)(2)(i)(A) and <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)(iii)(A)> (d)(2)(iii)(A) of this section shall be limited to 20 mg of cholesterol per 100 g, and the requirement in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)(i)(B)> paragraphs (d)(2)(i)(B) and <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(d)(2)(iii)(B)> (d)(2)(iii)(B) of this section shall be modified to require that the food contain 2 g or less of saturated fat per 100 g rather than per reference amount customarily consumed.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

low-cholesterol-meal — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** low-cholesterol-small-racc-food

**Claim term:** low cholesterol

**Nutrient:** cholesterol

**Food format:** small-RACC food (≤30g or ≤2 tbsp)

**Threshold:** The food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(d)(2)(ii)(A)

> The terms “low in cholesterol,” “low cholesterol,” “contains a small amount of cholesterol,” “low source of cholesterol,” or “little cholesterol” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) For foods that have a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons and contain 13 g or less of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving: ( A ) The food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed; ( B ) The food contains 2 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed; and ( C ) As required in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(e)(2)> § 101.13(e)(2) , if the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower cholesterol content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of that type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches (e.g., “low fat cottage cheese, a low cholesterol food.”). ( ii ) For foods that have a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and contain 13 g or less of total fat per reference amount customarily consumed, per labeled serving, and per 50 g (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form); ( A ) The food contains 20 mg or less of cholesterol per reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

low-cholesterol-small-racc-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** low-fat-individual-food

**Claim term:** low fat

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** The food has a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons and contains 3 g or less of fat per reference amount customarily consumed

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(b)(2)(i)(A)

> The terms “low fat,” “low in fat,” “contains a small amount of fat,” “low source of fat,” or “little fat” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) ( A ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons and contains 3 g or less of fat per reference amount customarily consumed; or ( B ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and contains 3 g or less of fat per reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g of food (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form); and ( ii ) If the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches (e.g., “frozen perch, a low fat food”).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

low-fat-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** low-fat-main-dish

**Claim term:** low fat

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** main dish

**Threshold:** 3 g or less of total fat per 100 g and not more than 30 percent of calories from fat

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(b)(3)(i)

> The terms “low fat,” “low in fat,” “contains a small amount of fat,” “low source of fat,” or “little fat” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) ( A ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons and contains 3 g or less of fat per reference amount customarily consumed; or ( B ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and contains 3 g or less of fat per reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g of food (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form); and ( ii ) If the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches (e.g., “frozen perch, a low fat food”). ( 3 ) The terms defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(b)(2)> paragraph (b)(2) of this section may be used on the label or in labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) or main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) The product contains 3 g or less of total fat per 100 g and not more than 30 percent of calories from fat; and

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

low-fat-main-dish — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** low-fat-meal

**Claim term:** low fat

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** meal

**Threshold:** 3 g or less of total fat per 100 g and not more than 30 percent of calories from fat

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(b)(3)(i)

> The terms “low fat,” “low in fat,” “contains a small amount of fat,” “low source of fat,” or “little fat” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) ( A ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons and contains 3 g or less of fat per reference amount customarily consumed; or ( B ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and contains 3 g or less of fat per reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g of food (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form); and ( ii ) If the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches (e.g., “frozen perch, a low fat food”). ( 3 ) The terms defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.62#p-101.62(b)(2)> paragraph (b)(2) of this section may be used on the label or in labeling of meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) or main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) The product contains 3 g or less of total fat per 100 g and not more than 30 percent of calories from fat; and

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

low-fat-meal — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** low-fat-small-racc-food

**Claim term:** low fat

**Nutrient:** total fat

**Food format:** small-RACC food (≤30g or ≤2 tbsp)

**Threshold:** The food has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and contains 3 g or less of fat per reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g of food

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(b)(2)(i)(B)

> The terms “low fat,” “low in fat,” “contains a small amount of fat,” “low source of fat,” or “little fat” may be used on the label or in labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) ( A ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed greater than 30 g or greater than 2 tablespoons and contains 3 g or less of fat per reference amount customarily consumed; or ( B ) The food has a reference amount customarily consumed of 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less and contains 3 g or less of fat per reference amount customarily consumed and per 50 g of food (for dehydrated foods that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.9#p-101.9(f)(1)> § 101.9(f)(1) , of all nutrients per reference amount customarily consumed, the per 50-g criterion refers to the “as prepared” form); and ( ii ) If the food meets these conditions without the benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches (e.g., “frozen perch, a low fat food”).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

low-fat-small-racc-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria


**Claim ID:** low-saturated-fat-individual-food

**Claim term:** low saturated fat

**Nutrient:** saturated fat

**Food format:** individual food (not a meal or main dish product)

**Threshold:** 1 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed and not more than 15 percent of calories from saturated fatty acids

**CFR section:** 21 CFR 101.62(c)(2)(i)

> The terms “low in saturated fat,” “low saturated fat,” “contains a small amount of saturated fat,” “low source of saturated fat,” or “a little saturated fat” may be used on the label or in the labeling of foods, except meal products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(l)> § 101.13(l) and main dish products as defined in <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-101.13#p-101.13(m)> § 101.13(m) , provided that: ( i ) The food contains 1 g or less of saturated fatty acids per reference amount customarily consumed and not more than 15 percent of calories from saturated fatty acids; and ( ii ) If a food meets these conditions without benefit of special processing, alteration, formulation, or reformulation to lower saturated fat content, it is labeled to clearly refer to all foods of its type and not merely to the particular brand to which the label attaches (e.g., “raspberries, a low saturated fat food”).

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-D/section-101.62>

low-saturated-fat-individual-food — FDA nutrient content claim qualification criteria